5 Cool Flea Markets Across the Country

If you enjoy spending summer weekends roaming flea markets for kitschy knick-knacks, handmade crafts and vintage gems, while noshing on fresh produce and gourmet street food, here’s a short list of markets you don’t want to miss.

SoWa Market, Boston

Whether you’re looking for handcrafted jewelry, clothing by indie designers, original artwork, fresh flowers, locally grown produce or food-truck fare, the SoWa Open Market in Boston’s South End neighborhood offers a unique shopping experience. The indoor Winter SoWa Market is open Sundays mid-November through mid-April, and the open-air Summer SoWa Market is open early May through late October. Free admission.

Dekalb Market, Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s newest marketplace is fashioned from salvaged shipping containers. The hipster- and-family friendly destination features choice clothing, jewelry sellers and pop-up eateries in an outdoor setting that doubles as a community gathering space, with an incubator farm and live performances. Dekalb Market is open seven days a week May through December. Free admission.

Melrose Trading Post, Los Angeles

Listen to live jazz while you browse antiques and collectibles from nearly 200 vendors at the trendy Melrose Trading Post, held every Sunday, rain or shine, in the parking lot of Fairfax High School at the corner of Fairfax and Melrose. The admission fee is $2, parking is free and the chance to people-watch is priceless.

Eastern Market, Washington, D.C.

This historic indoor and outdoor market in the nation’s capital offers a little something for everyone. The indoor South Hall Market, open every day, is where visitors will find the finest meats, cheeses, produce, baked goods and flowers. Meanwhile, the Flea Market at Eastern Market takes place every Sunday year-round, and features a diverse assortment of crafts, vintage and fashion jewelry, and home goods. Free admission.

Randolph Street Market Festival, Chicago

Pick up a few cool finds at this European-style, indoor-outdoor urban antique market in Chicago’s famous West Loop neighborhood. The Randolph Street Market is open May through November each year, and shoppers can spend hours browsing furnishings, vintage clothing and jewelry from 200 sellers. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students at the gate ($8 and $3 respectively, in advance), and free admission for kids under 12.